NOTE: No list of the most valuable
works of art by Irish artists would
be complete without Francis Bacon.
However, since he would constitute
a Top 10 by himself, we are limiting
him to 3 paintings only.

Three Studies of Lucian Freud (1969)
(Central Panel)
By Francis Bacon
$142.4 million (2013)
Christie's, New York

Most Expensive Irish Paintings
By Ireland's Top 10 Painters

See below for a list of Irish artists who
have achieved the highest sale prices at auction, plus details of some
of their record-breaking paintings. With one exception, all prices are
listed in the local currency of the auction house. See also: Art
News Headlines.

1. Francis Bacon (1909-92)
The world's most successful post-war contemporary artist is known for
his disturbing expressionist, almost surrealistic, works, as well as his
chaotic lifestyle. Following his death, the contents of his art studio
located at 7 Reece Mews, South Kensington, were donated to the Hugh Lane
Gallery in Dublin. Bacon's most highly priced paintings sold at auction
include:

 Three Studies of Lucian Freud
(1969)
$142 million (Christie's,
New York) (2013)
 Triptych (1976).
$86.3 million (Sotheby's, New
York, May 14, 2008).
 Three Studies for a Portrait of John Edwards (1984)
$80.8 million (Christie's, New York) (2014)

2. William Orpen
RA RI HRHA (1878-1931)
Ireland's most eminent academic portrait painter and representational
artist; the leading example of the Anglo-Irish tradition. Has influenced
generations of portraitists in Ireland. His two most highly priced portrait
paintings are:

 Portrait of Gardenia St. George With Riding Crop (1912)
£1,983,500 (Sothebys London, June 2001)

 Portrait of Mrs St. George (c.1920)
£924,000 (Sotheby's London, May 16 2003)

For a guide to trends and values in the
demand for artists of Ireland, please
see: Irish Art Market.

8. Roderic O'Conor
(1860-1940)
Along with John Lavery and Walter Osborne, one of Ireland's most famous
Impressionist-style painters of the Breton scene, including his iconic
work "Breton Girl"; also noted for his colourist compositions
and his lifelong love of France.